What happened to the golden eagle named Hamlet?

Hamlet, a four-year-old golden eagle, was shot and sustained injuries to his wing but has since recovered and returned to the wild.

Why was the golden eagle in the Scottish Borders?

Hamlet was relocated to the Scottish Borders in 2023 as part of a project to help increase the local population of golden eagles.

Who is investigating the shooting of the golden eagle?

Police Scotland, supported by the UK National Wildlife Crime Unit, is investigating the incident to find the person responsible for shooting Hamlet.

Home / Environment / Golden Eagle Shot in Scotland: Investigation Underway

Golden Eagle Shot in Scotland: Investigation Underway

9 Feb

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Summary

A four-year-old golden eagle named Hamlet was shot and injured.
The eagle had been relocated to the Scottish Borders to boost population.
The bird has recovered and returned to the wild, police seek culprit.

Golden Eagle Shot in Scotland: Investigation Underway

A golden eagle, affectionately named Hamlet, has been successfully treated and released back into the wild following a distressing incident where he was shot in the Scottish Borders. The four-year-old bird, relocated from the Outer Hebrides in 2023 as part of the South of Scotland Golden Eagle Project, was discovered injured by a gamekeeper on an estate in Stanhope on January 15th. Veterinary examination revealed shotgun pellet injuries to his wing.

Experts utilized tracking data to pinpoint the likely time and location of the shooting, estimating it occurred in early January between Stanhope and Glenbreck, off the A701 road. Police Scotland, with assistance from the UK National Wildlife Crime Unit, is leading the investigation to apprehend the perpetrator. Wildlife conservationists and landowners have expressed anger and disappointment, emphasizing the importance of golden eagles to the region and the UK's skies, and urging anyone with information to come forward.